October is here, and once again we are celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (#NDEAM). Reflecting a commitment to a robust and competitive American labor force, the 2019 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme is “The Right Talent, Right Now.” Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents.T
Please help us in highlighting the accomplishments of all people with disabilities who are employed or have their own business by submitting success stories. We had a great response last year, and are now in search of more great stories as well as updates!
Success stories can be submitted through the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/666Z55P.
October 28, 2019: Update – Oranit Solomonov
Today’s story is an update from Oranit Solomonov, self-taught artist featured previously on PhilaOnTheJob. Those who have read her story know that Oranit was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, and has been living in the Philadelphia area for over three decades. Her art is colorful and vibrant, expressing a variety of interests including animals and airplanes, as well as her strong Jewish identity. Because English is her second language, her work helps Oranit to communicate using the universal language of art.
An active exhibitor, Oranit’s work has been featured both regionally and nationally, including at the Outsider Art Fairs in St. Louis, Missouri (2012), and in New York City (2013). Her work was held in a private collection in Argentina (2013). She is a frequent vendor at numerous art and artisan fairs around Philadelphia and is an active member of her local arts community.
In 2019, Oranit was selected from a group of many local artisan-applicants to be a vendor in the Emerging Artist Tent at the annual Manayunk Arts Festival. She sold her paintings, prints, and tapestries to many customers while also networking with potential collaborators and business partners.
This year she also exhibited her paintings at local businesses including Benna’s Cafe, Cafe Ole, and Sawtown Tavern. Finally, she soon will be consigning her artwork to The Common Room, a gallery and shop featuring womxnidentified and non-binary artists. Through this partnership, Oranit will expand her customer base while joining an inclusive, supportivecommunity of artist activists.
Oranit says: “I love color. I want to draw all the time, I like to draw. I close my eyes and I want to draw a tiger, I want to draw a zebra. Iike to draw things that move people.”
~ submitted by Oranit Solomonov